A Self-Adjuvanted, Modular, Antigenic VLP for Rapid Response to Influenza Virus Variability.

The continuous evolution of influenza A virus (IAV) requires the influenza vaccine formulations to be updated annually to provide adequate protection. Recombinant protein-based vaccines provide safer, faster, and a more scalable alternative to the conventional embryonated egg approach for developing vaccines. However, these vaccines are typically poorer in immunogenicity than the vaccines containing inactivated or attenuated influenza viruses and require administration of a large antigen dosage together with potent adjuvants.

IFNAR2 Is Required for Anti-influenza Immunity and Alters Susceptibility to Post-influenza Bacterial Superinfections.

Influenza virus infections particularly when followed by bacterial superinfections (BSI) result in significant morbidities and mortalities especially during influenza pandemics. Type I interferons (IFNs) regulate both anti-influenza immunity and host susceptibility to subsequent BSIs. These type I IFNs consisting of, among others, 14 IFN-α's and a single IFN-β, are recognized by and signal through the heterodimeric type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) comprised of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2.